Reducing examination anxiety through emotional freedom techniques: A randomized controlled trial among somali students
Advances in Integrative Medicine, cilt.13, sa.2, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 13 Sayı: 2
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.aimed.2026.100669
- Dergi Adı: Advances in Integrative Medicine
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus
- Anahtar Kelimeler: EFT, Stress coping, Exam anxiety
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Purpose: This study aims to determine the effects of the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) applied before exams on coping with stress and anxiety. Methods: This experimental study, conducted as a randomized controlled trial, divided participants into two groups: the EFT Group (n = 31) and the Breathing Group (n = 31). Two interventions were performed in both groups one week apart before the midterm exams, and final measurements were taken one week after the exams. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Visual Analog Scale for Anxiety to assess anxiety, and the Coping Styles with Stress Scale. Results: Of the students, 90.3% reported experiencing anxiety before a significant exam. In both groups, there was a statistically significant reduction in anxiety levels before and after the interventions (p = 0.001). However, no significant differences were found in coping with stress between pre and post intervention values within and between groups. Conclusion: While both EFT and Breathing exercises were effective in reducing exam anxiety, they had no significant effect on coping with stress. The long-standing war in Somalia and the presence of a fatalistic approach instead of active coping strategies may explain these findings.